Candid Sustainability Podcast

Kabelo Rathobei
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The Candid Sustainability Podcast is a podcast about real conversations at the intersection of people, planet, and progress, hosted by me, Kabelo Rathobei.In each episode I sit down with changemakers, practitioners, and everyday people doing extraordinary things in sustainability, from careers and climate finance to youth advocacy, renewable energy, and beyond. We keep it candid, we keep it honest. And we bring an African perspective to the global sustainability conversation, because Africa’s voice belongs at the centre of this dialogue not at the margins.

  1. Jul 13

    EP 12: Lesotho's Renewable Energy Landscape

    Lesotho’s clean energy story is far more promising and complex than many realise and you’re about to learn why every watt of renewable energy counted is a step toward regional leadership. In this captivating conversation, Limpho Thoahlane, a storyteller turned stakeholder engagement practitioner in Lesotho’s energy sector, reveals how passion, creativity, and strategic collaboration are fueling a quiet revolution in one of Southern Africa’s most underestimated renewable resource hubs. Limpho’s journey is a testament to that classic truth: impact doesn’t have to follow a linear path. From art and environmental activism to leading the stakeholder engagement for Hirundu Energy, she shows how skills from diverse backgrounds can directly power the green future. She unpacks how Lesotho’s abundant water, sun, and wind have the potential to transform the nation into a regional renewable powerhouse, capable of exporting clean power to neighboring countries and why infrastructure, policy, and local ownership are critical pieces of the puzzle. This episode is perfect for energy entrepreneurs, environmentalists, policymakers, students, and anyone curious about how a small nation’s innovative spirit can reshape regional power dynamics. Lesotho's journey highlights the importance of local talent, strategic partnerships, and community-driven development, lessons that any emerging renewable market can learn from. The future of Africa’s energy landscape isn’t just about megawatts, it's about harnessing talent, culture, and local ownership to create resilient, sustainable systems. If you believe that energy access and climate solutions are community stories first, this episode is your wake-up call to see Lesotho not just as water or a resource, but as a model for regional energy sovereignty. Join us to explore how a country that once only seemed to export water now has the potential to be Africa’s green energy leader, one project, one young innovator, and one community at a time. http://www.linkedin.com/in/limpho-thoahlane https://www.linkedin.com/company/wattlesotho/  Support the show Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos  Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

    EP 12: Lesotho's Renewable Energy Landscape

  2. Jun 15

    E11: Sorghum- Africa’s Climate-Resilient Supercrop with Zandile Queen Finxa

    Most of us have overlooked the humble grain that could be a climate hero sorghum, or mabele, as many Africans have known it for millennia. But what if this ancient, resilient crop is the key to food security in a warming world? In this episode, Zandile Queen Finxa, an award-winning food scientist and founder of the Sorghum Agenda, reveals the powerful science, culture, and sustainability potential of sorghum-Africa’s star crop for climate resilience. Discover how sorghum outperforms maize in drought conditions, regenerates soil, and offers a nutrient-dense alternative that can feed communities today and into the future. Zandile shares their personal journey from childhood memories of motoho to leading a movement to elevate indigenous foods, challenging the misconception that sorghum is just "old people's food." You'll learn why the decline in local production isn’t about farmers refusing to grow it but about shifting demand, lack of policy support, and cultural perception. We break down the complex ecosystem affecting sorghum, how government policies, retail choices, and consumer awareness all play a role in restoring its place on our plates. Zandile’s work proves the power of re-connecting with our heritage to build sustainable, resilient food systems that serve local communities without pricing them out. They passionately argue that indigenous crops like sorghum should be accessible staples, not exclusive luxuries, ensuring that their nutritional, cultural, and environmental benefits remain within reach. This episode is perfect for climate-conscious eaters, policymakers, chefs, and anyone eager to reform the global food narrative from colonial legacies to indigenous strengths. If you’re ready to see our ancient grains as the future of African food sovereignty, this conversation will inspire you to act, by sharing knowledge, supporting local farmers, or trying a simple pot of motoho this week. Zandile Queen Finxa is a food scientist, chef, and the founder of the Sorghum Agenda. They are a thought leader in sustainable indigenous food systems and has been recognized as one of Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans for their efforts to reshape how we value and serve African food. Join us to explore how preserving and elevating sorghum can be a game-changer for climate adaptation, cultural pride, and equitable food systems. Your next meal could be a meaningful step in reclaiming Africa’s agricultural sovereignty, one pot of mabele at a time. Did you like this episode? consider supporting the podcast. Click on the link and explore the different ways you can support. Candid Sustainability Podcast (Candid Sustainability Podcast +) Music licensed through soundstripe; Codes: Y8G0OSRCEDA6IAZK, CO45ANF7A7HNZ0PZ, HY2WZFGEIQJWWL1O Support the show Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos  Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

    E11: Sorghum- Africa’s Climate-Resilient Supercrop with Zandile Queen Finxa

  3. Jun 8 ·  Bonus

    Part 2 Sustainable Beekeeping In South Africa with Emmanuel Moledi

    Unlock the secret to harnessing nature’s most misunderstood creatures — bees — and discover how they can transform your community, your environment, and your future. Emmanuel Moledi, a passionate beekeeper, reveals the surprising truths about African honeybees and how misconceptions have held back a vital ecological and economic opportunity. This episode is a wake-up call for farmers, educators, and entrepreneurs eager to create a resilient, bee-friendly future. Follow @Beemobees on social media  Support the show Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos  Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

    Part 2 Sustainable Beekeeping In South Africa with Emmanuel Moledi

  4. Jun 1

    EP 10: Sustainable beekeeping in Bloemfontein South Africa with Emmanuel Moledi

    Unlock the secret life of bees and discover how sustainable beekeeping is transforming food security, climate resilience, and livelihoods in Africa. When most of us think of beekeeping, we picture a guy in a suit harvesting honey; but behind the scenes, it's a delicate balance of ecology, innovation, and strategy that supports our entire food system. If you're passionate about sustainable farming, environmental conservation, or just curious how tiny pollinators wield outsized power, this episode will change the way you see bees and their keepers. Join Kabelo as she dives into the vibrant world of Emmanuel Moledi, a young, passionate beekeeper from Bloemfontein. Emmanuel’s journey began during COVID, transitioning from delivery jobs to studying farming management, ultimately choosing the quiet, rewarding life of a beekeeper. He shares insights on managing hives amidst South Africa’s changing climate, battling pests naturally, and avoiding harmful pesticides building a truly sustainable operation that respects both bees and the environment. Emmanuel reveals why bees are far more than honey providers, they're vital for pollinating 75% of our food crops, from avocados to maize, and why their decline spells trouble for us all. You'll discover: How climate change disrupts bee activity and what sustainable beekeepers do to adapt Practical steps for maintaining healthy colonies without harmful chemicals The economics of small-scale beekeeping, including honey sales, bee removal, and future pollination services The role of traditional and modern practices in creating eco-friendly beekeeping environments Opportunities for youth in South Africa to enter and thrive in sustainable farming industries This episode underscores why protecting pollinators isn’t just an environmental effort it’s a food security and economic imperative. Emmanuel’s story illustrates how young people can innovate within agriculture, combining tradition and technology to build resilient livelihoods and support broader ecological health. As Africa’s voice in global sustainability, this conversation bridges local practices with global challenges, making it perfect for aspiring farmers, environmental advocates, and anyone who cares about the future of food and climate. Tune in for a candid look at the art and science of sustainable beekeeping because if we protect our tiny pollinators today, we secure a healthier planet tomorrow. Ready to be inspired? This is essential listening for anyone eager to make a meaningful impact at the intersection of ecology and entrepreneurship. Music from riverisde; caveman, small world reveals and callisson. Support the show Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos  Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

    EP 10: Sustainable beekeeping in Bloemfontein South Africa with Emmanuel Moledi

  5. May 18

    EP 9: The Spaza Survival Crisis with Kabelo Rathobei

    Most of us have never stopped to think about the tiny spaza shops in South Africa’s townships hidden engines of resilience that tell a much bigger story about survival, injustice, and the future of local economies. These small, often overlooked businesses survived apartheid’s bans, carried communities through economic hardships, and now face an existential threat from corporate retail giants and government crackdowns. What does their fight for survival reveal about the true meaning of sustainability? And who really benefits when the rules are rewritten?In this eye-opening episode, Kabelo Rathobei takes you inside the complex world of South Africa’s spaza shops family-run microenterprises that are the heartbeat of poor communities. Discover how these shops, built during apartheid’s covert economy, have become a fragile symbol of economic resilience and social justice. As migration, foreign competition, and corporate giants enter the scene, these small businesses are under siege facing threats from zoning laws, food safety crackdowns, and ruthless expansion by multinationals. The story isn’t just about business; it’s about community survival in the face of systemic inequality.  This episode hooks from the start with a vivid portrait of South Africa’s ubiquitous spaza shops, familiar yet powerful symbols of resilience. It uses concrete examples and recent crises to create urgency and relevance while weaving in broader questions about justice and sustainability. The targeted focus on community impact and systemic failures makes it compelling for listeners who care about social issues, small businesses, and equitable economic futures. Support the show Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos  Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

    EP 9: The Spaza Survival Crisis with Kabelo Rathobei

  6. May 4

    EP 8: South Africa's Just Energy Transition: Rhetoric or Real Progress? with Kabelo Rathobei

    South Africa’s paradox is staggering: a country with world-class solar and wind resources still grappling with 12 hours of daily load shedding and a coal dependency that’s over 80%. The disconnect between enormous clean energy potential and the reliance on coal for jobs and livelihoods exemplifies the complex reality of just energy transition. Are promises of a greener future just rhetoric, or can real progress be made without leaving communities behind? In this episode, Kabelo Rathobei dives into the heart of South Africa’s energy crisis, unpacking the struggles, successes, and tough decisions shaping its climate future. You’ll discover how initiatives like the Easigas clean cooking project are saving lives and reducing indoor pollution, why Sasol’s move towards green fuels marks a crucial but cautious shift for industry giants, and how private and community-led solar installations are igniting a bottom-up renewable revolutionall driven by load shedding the grid’s limits. We break down the nuanced tensions of the just transition, how to balance urgent power needs with long-term climate goals, and why delaying coal plant retirements worsens climate impacts while risking economic and social stability. Kabelo explains the risks of new fossil fuel projects, like natural gas and offshore oil exploration, which threaten to lock South Africa—and Africa—into decades of stranded assets. The episode highlights how decisions made today will reverberate across the continent, influencing regional power pools and climate justice for marginalized communities who bear the brunt of environmental harms. Most importantly, this isn’t just about South Africa—it's a blueprint for the whole continent. If the country’s transition falters, it could set back climate efforts across Africa; if it succeeds, it offers a model for equitable, sustainable growth. With a candid, African perspective, Kabelo emphasizes that progress and accountability must go hand in hand and that real community voices need seats at the table.  Tune in for a powerful look at what it really takes to turn bold promises into tangible change and why South Africa’s story is pivotal to global climate justice. Perfect for climate advocates, policymakers, students, and anyone interested in how Africa is shaping its climate future—these struggles, solutions, and stakes are vital for all of us. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode of Candid Sustainability, where hope meets hard truth. Support the show Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos  Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

    EP 8: South Africa's Just Energy Transition: Rhetoric or Real Progress? with Kabelo Rathobei

  7. Apr 20

    EP 7: Carbon Markets in Africa with Abdilahi Nuh

    In this episode of the Candid Sustainability Podcast, host Kabelo Rathobei engages in a conversation with Abdilahi Nuh, an engineer and founder of Presto Innovations. They explore the intricacies of carbon markets, focusing on Africa's pivotal role. Abdilahi discusses his work in carbon removal through biochar, a method that transforms invasive species into carbon-rich material to restore arid lands. The discussion highlights the potential benefits and risks of carbon markets, emphasizing the need for transparency and community involvement. Abdilahi also addresses misconceptions about arid lands and shares insights on making carbon markets more equitable. The episode encourages listeners to rethink carbon markets and engage in informed discussions. Support the show Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos  Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

    EP 7: Carbon Markets in Africa with Abdilahi Nuh

  8. Apr 6

    EP 6: Building a Career in Sustainability with Comfort Francis

    In this episode, Kabelo Rathobei interviews Comfort Apeh Francis, an environmentalist and climate innovator from Nigeria, about building a career in sustainability, the challenges faced, and her innovative tools like the Sustainability Career Pathfinder. They explore diverse career paths in sustainability, the importance of African voices in global climate discussions, and practical advice for newcomers. Resources Green Bridge Africa Innovations - https://greenbridgeafrica.com Sustainability Career Pathfinder - https://sustainabilitypathfinder.lovable.app UNFCCC Learning Platform - https://unfccc.int/learning Climatebase Job Board - https://climatebase.org Inco Green Digital Pathways Course - https://incoacademy.com LinkedIn Learning ESG Courses - https://linkedin.com/learning Work on Climate Community - https://workonclimate.org Support the show Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos  Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

    EP 6: Building a Career in Sustainability with Comfort Francis
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About

The Candid Sustainability Podcast is a podcast about real conversations at the intersection of people, planet, and progress, hosted by me, Kabelo Rathobei.In each episode I sit down with changemakers, practitioners, and everyday people doing extraordinary things in sustainability, from careers and climate finance to youth advocacy, renewable energy, and beyond. We keep it candid, we keep it honest. And we bring an African perspective to the global sustainability conversation, because Africa’s voice belongs at the centre of this dialogue not at the margins.

Information

  • Creator
    Kabelo Rathobei
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Candid Sustainability Podcast
  • Show Website
    Candid Sustainability Podcast